
The firebox handles the brunt of the work in your fireplace. If your firebox is wearing down, check out the average costs of repairs and replacements.
On average, it costs $520 per year to run a gas fireplace. Between fuel and maintenance, most people spend between $400 and $640 annually. Talk to a fireplace pro about ways you can make your fireplace run more efficiently and save money.
Running a gas fireplace costs between $400 and $640 per year. The average cost to run a gas fireplace annually is $520. This comes out to $0.35 to $0.62 per hour, but your costs will depend on several factors, including your fireplace’s fuel type and heat output. Your location and usage habits also play a role.
There’s nothing like a roaring fire to keep you nice and toasty during the coldest months of the year, but how much does it cost to run a gas fireplace? There are a few factors at play, including your fireplace’s fuel type and your location.
Gas fireplaces run on either propane or natural gas. Comparing the costs of these fuel types can get tricky—not only because they’re measured differently, but also because fuel prices vary significantly by location.
Here’s a look at the current nationwide costs of propane and natural gas, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Fuel Type | National Average Cost |
---|---|
Propane | $2.48 per gallon |
Natural gas | $1.38 per therm* |
*One therm is equal to 100,000 BTU
Like a furnace, the heat output of a gas fireplace is expressed in British Thermal Units (BTUs). BTUs measure how much heat the fireplace can generate in an hour, with most gas fireplaces producing between 10,000 and 70,000 BTUs. The higher your fireplace’s BTU rating, the more heat it can produce—and the more expensive it will be to run.
Propane-powered fireplaces use 1 gallon of fuel for every 100,000 BTUs, also referred to as a therm. So, if you have a 25,000-BTU fireplace, it would go through 1 gallon of propane every four hours. Based on the current national price of propane, that would cost you $0.62 per hour.
To calculate the hourly cost of running a natural gas fireplace, multiply its BTUs by the current per-therm cost of natural gas and divide it by 100,000. (One therm equals 100,000 BTUs.) A 25,000-BTU natural gas fireplace at $1.38 per therm would cost $0.35 per hour to run.
25,000 (BTUs) x $1.38 (current gas cost per therm) = 34,500
34,500 / 100,000 (BTU per 1 gallon of fuel) = $0.35 per hour
Your location has a major influence on the price of fuel and, as a result, how much you’ll pay to use your fireplace. Here’s how much it costs to run a 25,000-BTU propane or natural gas fireplace for three hours per day in different states.
State | Daily Cost | Yearly Cost |
---|---|---|
Ohio | $0.74–$1.91 | $179.08–$462.22 |
Colorado | $0.75–$1.67 | $181.50–$404.14 |
Illinois | $0.80–$1.36 | $193.60–$329.12 |
Pennsylvania | $0.94–$2.12 | $227.48–$513.04 |
New York | $1.16–$2.47 | $280.72–$597.74 |
Texas | $1.21–$2.16 | $292.82–$522.72 |
Georgia | $1.22–$2.27 | $295.24–$549.34 |
North Carolina | $1.28–$2.48 | $309.76–$600.16 |
Massachusetts | $1.63–$2.68 | $394.46–$648.56 |
As you’re calculating your gas fireplace costs, it’s helpful to consider the climate in your area. If you live in Florida, you probably won’t use your fireplace as often as someone in Montana might—and you'll pay less overall to run your fireplace.
Gas fireplaces require periodic maintenance (and, occasionally, repairs) to keep them running safely and efficiently. Here’s how much to budget for those ongoing costs.
First, the good news: You can handle a lot of gas fireplace maintenance yourself. For example, wiping down the glass, replacing decorative rocks, and vacuuming the interior are all DIY tasks that only require your time and basic cleaning supplies.
However, you’ll want to have a professional check out your fireplace at least once per year. On average, an annual gas fireplace inspection costs between $75 and $250, depending on the type of fireplace and your location.
If your local gas fireplace pro uncovers any issues during your yearly inspection, you’ll need to cover the cost of repairs, as well. Most repairs cost $200 to $1,000, but prices depend on the exact problem.
Here are some common gas fireplace repair costs (including labor):
Repair | Average Cost |
---|---|
Pilot light | $100–$350 |
Igniter | $100–$150 |
Gas valve | $150–$300 |
Thermocouple | $75–$350 |
Thermopile | $75–$375 |
Chimney flue | $200–$5,000 |
Working with gas can be very dangerous and even harmful to your health. Only attempt gas projects yourself if you have the experience and credentials to do so safely. Otherwise, let the professionals handle these jobs.
Whether it’s in your living room, bedroom, or another part of your home, a gas fireplace makes your space feel warm and inviting. If you want to take these cozy vibes even further, consider investing in one of these add-on projects:
Fireplace remodeling costs: $400–$2,000
Carpet installation costs: $780–$2,800
Installing new light fixtures costs: $160–$960
Painting a room costs: $300–$2,800
Home theater installation costs: $12,000–$42,000
Want to minimize the costs of running your fireplace this winter? These tips can help:
Perform routine maintenance: Maintaining your fireplace is the best way to keep it running safely and efficiently. It also helps you identify and fix minor problems early—before they turn into major headaches.
Invest in an energy-efficient fireplace: Traditional vented fireplaces aren’t as efficient as ventless models. If ventless fireplaces are permitted in your area, installing one can help you save on fuel costs.
Use your fireplace as the main heating source: When everyone is relaxing in front of the fire, you won’t need as much heat in the rest of your home. During these times, consider turning down your thermostat to save on heating costs.
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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